Norton L. Loomis 1831-1907

LOOMIS, HOOPER

Posted By: cheryl Locher moonen (email)
Date: 3/18/2020 at 15:34:50

Norton L. Loomis was born in New York, June 23, 1831. In 1842 he moved to northern Wisconsin, remaining there eight years. Mr. Loomis then removed to Galena, Illinois for the short time of three months before coming to Dubuque Co. on July 4, 1850. In 1860, he took up farming in Sections 18 & 19 of Taylor Township near Farley. In these early years, Mr. Loomis set the foundation of his lumber business; one of the largest in the vicinity. In his work, N. L. also dealt in cement, lime, tiles, and farm implements. Mr. Loomis was spoken of having great intelligence, unwearied energy and great business ability. He was considered to be a solid citizen of Farley. He belonged to the Presbyterian Church, and held both town and school offices. In June of 1854, he married Miss Ellen J. Hooper. Mrs. Ellen Loomis was born in Co. Cork, Ireland, May 11, 1835. She came to Dubuque Co. in 1853. Ellen had poor health suffering from asthma. She died in May of 1885, age 50. Mr. Loomis later married a second time. N. J. Loomis owned property in Dubuque Co.; Des Moines; and in California-to which he moved in the spring of 1900. When the big fire occurred in downtown Farley in January of 1896, Mr. Loomis had the largest holding in property that burned. He lost the Opera House and Brick Block with a hotel business. A loss of $15,000 to $20,000 with no insurance coverage. That section of Farley was rebuilt after the tragedy being expanded this second time because of the growth in town. Loomis’s sons also lost a butcher shop and grocery in the fire. Mr. Loomis lived in the house now occupied by Mrs. Monica Fessler, 208 3rd Ave. S.W.
There were ten Loomis children: Amasa N.; May Frances, John N., Bennett E., Elizabeth E., Wellington W., Frank, George two children died infancy.

The History of Farley, Welu Publishing, Copyright 1996